Increased synthesis of aortic collagen and elastin in experimental atherosclerosis: Inhibition by contraceptive steroids

Rabbits were fed an atherogenic or normal control diet for 3 months; half of each group were treated with mestranol—norethynodrel (M-N) and half with cottonseed oil vehicle. At the end of the 3-month period rabbits were killed and aortic collagen and elastin synthesis determined. Collagen and elastin synthesis was increased in aortas of rabbits on an atherogenic diet, but those treated with M-N had a lower rate of collagen synthesis and less deposition of cholesterol in the aorta than those administered cottonseed oil. It is suggested that long-term administration of the contraceptive steroid combination may retard the progression of atherosclerosis through the hormone's effect on vascular connective tissue.